Merry Christmas AND Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. I honestly believe either phrase says the same exact thing to someone from any religion. While some think saying, "Merry Christmas" to someone who does not celebrate Christmas or is not Catholic is ignorant, I believe the message is all that counts. It seems to me that people are just looking for something to argue over, and the "holidays" are supposed to be joyful times, not a topic for debate. In a Fox News article, the author expresses his views that show how people can quickly change their outlook when it is upon the good things Christmas has to offer. "I have to tell you something, though. You won't see the guy fostering the Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays debate turning down free eggnog at the company holiday party. And indeed, he shouldn't. He needs to lighten up a bit. Have a little holiday cheer!" This clearly shows that the debate is simply something to argue over and not a sincere cry from different religions. I believe that if you are offended by the phrase, "Merry Christmas," then you should simply return greeting pertaining to your religion. For example, if you are Jewish and someone says, "Merry Christmas," to you, and you become infuriated, then you should calmly reply, "Happy Hanukkah." This should not even be a debate due to the fact that over eighty percent of Americans are Christian, and over ninety-five percent of Americans celebrate Christmas. Lastly, it can become extremely annoying when people go out of their was to stress the "Happy Holidays," instead of "Merry Christmas." I have one teacher who constantly acts as if he has committed a crime if he uses the word Christmas, and then goes on a twenty minute rant about the debate. Saying one or the other is only a way to spread cheer, and people need to stop looking for reasons to fight.